When, Why, and How to Help your Patients with Hard and Soft Tissue Abnormalities

Table of Contents

• • Course Aim
  • Course Description
  • About the Lecturers
  • FAQs
  • Refund and Waitlist Policy
  • COVID-19 Information
  • Enrollment and Cancellation

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  Course Aim

  Identify differential diagnoses for frequently seen oral soft-tissue infections, immune-related diseases, and growths. Formulate management plans, incorporating drug treatments. Contrast the methods of punch biopsy with scalpel biopsy. Engage in a detailed review of radiographic pathologies, highlighting unusual findings and irregularities. Determine differential diagnoses based on radiographic displays. Lastly, join in discussions centered around specific cases.

  Course Description

  Determining benign conditions from significant clinical diseases is no easy task, even for seasoned professionals. Clinicians need to decide when further evaluations or biopsies are necessary. The challenge lies in not alarming patients needlessly while ensuring no delay in identifying potential malignancies.

  In this comprehensive day-long course, participants will sharpen their abilities to recognize mucosal diseases and radiographic pathologies. The curriculum extends beyond traditional textbook images, delving into the nuances of normal anatomical variations and unconventional presentations.

  The hands-on segment aims to empower general dentists, specialists, trainees, and students. The focus will be on executing simple soft-tissue biopsies with local anesthesia in outpatient settings, with the practice being facilitated on synthetic mucosa.

  For an immersive experience, attendees are encouraged to bring WiFi-enabled devices like smartphones, laptops, or tablets, as these will be instrumental in differential diagnosis exercises.

  Head and neck cancer ranks as the sixth most prevalent globally, with an alarming 800,000 new diagnoses annually. It's more prevalent in men and tends to increase with age. Some of the most common types include oral cancer, laryngeal cancer, pharyngeal cancer, nasal and sinus cancer and salivary gland cancer. Notably, lifestyle habits such as tobacco consumption, excessive alcohol intake and HPV infections contribute to its onset.

  Apart from cancers, the head and neck region is susceptible to various soft and hard tissue abnormalities. Causes range from injuries leading to issues like bruises and fractures, infections causing abscesses in gingival tissue or lymph nodes, to tumors that can be benign or malignant. Symptoms, while diverse, commonly manifest as neck lumps, swallowing difficulties, persistent mouth sores, voice changes, nasal blockages, ear pain, and headaches.

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  About the Lecturers

  Dr. Mark Lerman

  Dr. Mark Lerman, D.M.D., is a distinguished Professor and Chair of the Department of Diagnostic Sciences at TUSDM. Proudly recognized as a “Double-Jumbo”, he earned both his B.A. in history and D.M.D. from Tufts. His postgraduate journey led him to complete a general practice residency at Brigham and Women’s Hospital followed by specialized training in oral and maxillofacial pathology at New York Presbyterian Queens. Dr. Lerman holds the honor of being a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology (AAOMP). Presently, he is an active member of the AAOMP Executive Council and has formerly served a commendable term as a commissioner with the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). At TUSDM, he expertly juggles his responsibilities between teaching, clinical practice, and diagnostic histopathology, notably with Tufts Oral Pathology Services, the institution's dedicated biopsy service.

  Dr. Aruna Ramesh

  Aruna Ramesh, BDS, MS, DMD, currently holds the position of Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at TUSDM, a role she has embraced since February 2020. Her office supervises both predoctoral and postdoctoral residency programs. Additionally, in collaboration with the Dean's office, she plays a pivotal role in curating and enacting faculty development and calibration programs. Before stepping into this role, Dr. Ramesh chaired the Department of Diagnostic Sciences at the same institution from 2015 to 2020. Earlier, from 2003 to 2015, she led the division for oral and maxillofacial radiology. Having been a pillar of the TUSDM faculty since 2001, her educational accolades include an M.S. in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, School of Dentistry in 2000, and a D.M.D. from TUSDM in 2004. Recognized as a diplomate by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, she also manages a part-time private practice in OMFR. Her extensive professional journey encompasses administrative duties, teaching, and academic research.

  Why should you take this course?

  Orofacial pain and sleep disorders are multifaceted conditions that often intertwine and impact a significant portion of the population. There is endless opportunity to treat these ailments within your practice. By enrolling in this Orofacial Pain and Sleep Medicine course, you'll delve into a comprehensive exploration of the underlying causes, diagnostic methods, and innovative treatments for these disorders. Additionally, having a hands-on cadaver workshop to fully understand structures and locations of nerves is invaluable! It has been quite a long time since gross anatomy and refreshers like this don't take place every day.

  From the complexities of TMJ disorders to the intricacies of sleep apnea, this course empowers you with evidence-based knowledge and hands-on experience. Presented by experts in the field, the curriculum is designed to ensure that you remain at the forefront of these evolving disciplines. Furthermore, with the integration of cutting-edge research, practical case studies, and real-world applications, you'll be better equipped to address the diverse needs of your patients. Whether you're aiming to expand your practice, enhance patient outcomes, or deepen your expertise, this course is a transformative step in your professional journey. Join us and invest in a brighter, healthier future for both your patients and your practice. You don't want to miss this course!

  What is the return on investment of this course?

  This course, priced at $2,500, presents a tangible opportunity for significant returns, both professionally and financially. When examining the broader context, the statistics reflect the widespread prevalence of orofacial pain and sleep-related disorders in the general population. Given the ever-growing demand for treatments in these areas, professionals equipped with specialized knowledge stand at the forefront of providing much-needed care.

  Now, let's delve into the financial metrics. A single dental sleep apnea appliance can command a price range of $2,000 to $6,000 (depending on area and medical insurance billing). With this in perspective, by merely offering and successfully treating just one patient with a sleep apnea appliance post-training, you can recoup the entire cost of the course and potentially realize a profit. If you scale this up, treating even a modest number of patients each month can translate to substantial revenue, far outstripping the initial course investment. With the knowledge you gain from this course you will also be treating the patients comprehensively and looking for solutions to correct their medical conditions, rather than only treating the problems they have in the oral cavity.

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  Refund Policy

  Participants are eligible for a full tuition refund or credit for cancellations made at least two weeks before the course's commencement. Unfortunately, refunds or tuition credits won't be available after this period or for those who fail to attend.

  Waitlist Policy

  Should a CE course garner significant registrations leading to a waitlist, the CE office will approach individuals with pending payments. These individuals will need to settle their balances to confirm their spot. In case of non-payment, their reserved spot might be offered to another paying participant on the waitlist.

  COVID-19 Guidelines

  Tufts University prioritizes a secure campus environment. As of now, attendees of the Continuing Education/Lifelong Learning and Distance Education courses at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine don't need to undergo any screening. However, mask usage is advised in clinical areas and remains optional in classrooms.

  Enrollment and Cancellation Procedures

  The Office of Continuing Education has the discretion to limit registration when a course reaches its maximum capacity. It also retains the right to amend, cancel, or change any course content or faculty if deemed necessary. Should a course cancellation occur, participants will receive a full refund. Efforts will be made to notify participants promptly regarding any cancellations. However, the school is not accountable for any disruptions caused to the participants' travel plans.

  In case of unforeseen circumstances like severe weather conditions, the Office of Continuing Education may either cancel or reschedule a course. Participants will be informed via the provided contact details about any such changes. If in doubt about a course's status, participants are encouraged to get in touch directly with our office on the course day.

  Contact Us

  Email us at dentalce@tufts.edu or call us at (617) 636-6629